When he became a member of the Royal Academy Schools, Turner was 14 years old and was already known to the public because of his father. William Gayone Turner, barber and wig-maker, was so proud of his son that he would sell his works of art at his shop in Covent Garden. For his first presentation at the Summer Exhibition in 1790, the painter had chosen his first oil on canvas, a turbulent seascape. Fishermen at Sea fascinated for the dramatic light of the moon and the great virtuosity which gave the admirable illusion of the boats floating, suspended by the thrashing waves. In the future, the Master who elevated landscape painting to such a level as to have it compete with historic paintings in terms of value, went on to exhibit his works at the Royal Academy of Art for his entire life, in contention with Constable for the top spot of landscape painters. Turner often took advantage of the inaugural day of his exhibitions to add final touches to his paintings, an opportunity for an enthusiastic public to watch him transform his pieces before their very eyes.
Eric Clapton has influenced generations of musicians with legendary songs such as Layla, Tears in Heaven and Wonderful Tonight. He returns to London in May with three concerts at the Royal Albert Hall.
A journey to discover the Indian sculptor Mrinalini Mukherjee revisited through the works, drawings and sculptures of the artists who have most influenced her and with whom she has collaborated.
For the first time, a monographic exhibition retraces the work of Joseph Wright of Derby, focusing on the cycle of candlelit paintings created between 1765 and 1773.